Latvian residents are expected to install smoke detectors in their homes – private houses and apartments – by 1 January. For private homes, however, there is an additional requirement – owners are expected to have fire extinguishers on hand as well, reminds State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD).

Residents are responsible for their safety and complying with fire safety requirements in their everyday lives. VUGD invites residents to install smoke detectors soon!

To remind residents about the importance of fire safety and the need to have a smoke detector at home, 112 days prior to the date when it will be compulsory to have smoke detectors VUGD and Emergency Medical Service organized a press-conference with a demonstration to remind residents about the importance of having smoke detectors.

Every year fire fighters respond to approximately 9 000 fires, with most of them having been caused by reckless use of fire. This year 54 people have already died in fires – some of them could have been prevented had smoke detectors been installed at homes, VUGD reports.

«The biggest cause of fire damage is people’s recklessness, irresponsible behaviour and lack of knowledge to protect themselves.» VUGD study shows that 68% of residents find it important to have a smoke detector in their home. Only 9% of residents already have them installed.

«Unfortunately, VUGD cannot hear the siren coming from smoke detectors in fires with victims, because many houses still do not have them! I invite residents to finally take responsibility for their lives and make necessary steps to protect themselves and their relatives from fire!» said acting chief of VUGD K.Eklons at a press conference.

«Fires that result in casualties are some of the most difficult calls for us. For Emergency Medical Service brigades it is also hard to see victims suffering from severe facial or body burns. It is even more tragic when fire fighters carry out charred remains of children. Fires that claim lives or leave people crippled for life often strike without warning – at night, when people are asleep. Smoke detectors can help warn of the possible danger. We urge residents to install them in their homes today!» says Emergency Medical Service director Liene Cipule.

Every day fire fighters and medics do all they can to save people from fires, representatives of the two services say. Burns or fume poisoning are not easy to treat – often this means spending months in hospital and undergo surgeries. Often injuries sustained in a fire remain for the entirety of people’s lives. Sometimes burns are so bad it is necessary to amputate limbs, medics say.

Workers of services admit that in most cases injuries could be avoided if people use smoke detectors.

An autonomous smoke detector that reacts to smoke is a small device that is able to detect rising concentration of smoke in a room. A 80dB sound signal is triggered once smoke is detected and remains active for approximately half an hour. Smoke detectors are sold at different stores. It is important for it to have CE label and information about the device’s compliance with EU standards EN 14604. Installation is simple – the device is attached to the ceiling using complex screws or double-sided adhesive tape.